Miami Dolphins Select Riley Reiff in Rant Sports 2012 NFL Mock Draft

By Kris Hughes

The Miami Dolphins enter the 2012 NFL season with several needs, each of which is dependant on the open free agent market. The Dolphins decision not to re-sign incumbent quarterback Chad Henne to a new deal– and inability to score Peyton Manning— both further demonstrate the team’s need—and desire—to find a new signal-caller for 2012.

This leaves the second-tier of quarterbacks as the next potential target, a tier which includes Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins and perhaps, Nick Foles. The secondary needs for the 2012 version of the Dolphins are at defensive end and offensive tackle.

While Tannehill is a possibility, it’s just as likely he will be off the board by the No. 9 overall pick given the recent hype surrounding him and his performance at last month’s NFL combines.

With Quenton Coples being taken with the 4th pick of our mock draft by the Cleveland Browns, there is a significant drop off in talent into the second tier of defensive ends.

Given these factors, the safe pick for the Dolphins to make—in lieu of lack of quarterbacks and defensive ends—is to select Riley Reiff, offensive lineman from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

At 6’6, 300 pounds, Riley Reiff has the strength and overall bulk to be a nice addition to a Dolphins offensive line which needs to be solidified. As a tandem with Jake Long, Reiff could help provide the pocket time which a new Dolphins quarterback will need as they learn an unfamiliar offense–whomever that quarterback turns out to be.

Reiff’s best skill in his set is ability to pass block which will be essential to help a decimated Dolphins receiver corps to be more productive than they were in 2011. This will be even more important with the loss of Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears.

This skill, combined with his outstanding lateral quickness and athletic ability for a man of his size, also allow Reiff to be a solid run blocker who should create more running room for Reggie Bush and the Dolphins backfield.

In short, Riley Reiff is the best available offensive line prospect on the board at the No. 9 pick and should make an instant contribution to a Dolphins offensive unit which must be more consistent, efficient, and productive to help the team compete in 2012.